Tirana City Breaks
Tirana has been the capital of Albania since the early part of the 20th Century and is, by far, Albania’s largest city.
It is young, vibrant and growing whilst, at the same time retaining it’s history and culture from various bygone eras.
It is the perfect destination for a city break from the UK. As it is still relatively undiscovered (something that won’t last long!) it is:
• A great value destination. For example a Krikell e Madhe (large, local, draught beer) will cost you around 200-300 leke which, at the time of writing is around £1.50-£2.00. Superb pizzas abound and will range from 500-900 leke (£5-£7)
• You can easily walk around Tirana. Whilst it is growing, there is plenty to see and do on foot without having to utilise public transport. It really is a compact city!
• Albanians are super friendly. Whilst a city is always a city, we feel as safe in Tirana as any other we’ve experienced. The famous Albanian hospitality will always mean travellers there are well looked after.
There really is lots to see and do in Tirana. Here’s a few ideas:
• National Historical Museum: Well worth a visit to get a real sense of Albania’s past which is both colourful and dark.
• Mosque of Et’hem Bey: One of Tirana’s few remaining Ottoman period buildings.
• Blloku: Literally ‘the Block’ where all of Albania’s former Communist leaders and party bigwigs resided – now the hub of nightlife and café culture
• Bunk’art2: Just off Skenderbeg square another not to be missed opportunity to delve underground (literally) into Albania’s more recent history
• Dajti Ekspres: Known locally as the Teleferiku (short bus ride from the centre), it will take you to the top of Mount Dajti which overlooks the city.
Finally, whilst in Tirana, you must also visit Kruja,the former capital of Albania and home of the national hero Skenderbeg and Durres, ancient port city with its Roman Amphitheatre.
Check out our Tirana City Break itinerary here.
